ISSN: 2322 - 0902 (P)

ISSN: 2322 - 0910 (O)

International Journal of Ayurveda
and Pharma Research
Research Article

COMPARATIVE ANALYTICAL STUDY OF SAJALA AND NIRJALA NARIKEL LAVANA

Golecha Paras D1*, Kurve Siddhisha2, Sathe Ninad3, Punde Ashish4
*1M.D. Scholar, Dept. of Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajyakalpana, YMT Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital, Navi Mumbai.
2M.D. Scholar, Dept. of Dravyaguna vidnyan, YMT Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital, Navi Mumbai.
3Professor, 4Assistant professor, Dept. of Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajyakalpana, YMT Ayurvedic Medical College and
Hospital, Navi Mumbai.
ABSTRACT
Advancement being the heart of development any science, Ayurveda has been no exception to this. Various
basic formulations have been mentioned in the classical texts i.e. Samhitas and quite a few were added later
on, by contemporary Acharyas. Lavana Kalpana is one of them. Lavana Kalpana literally denotes any
pharmaceutical formulation comprising Lavana i.e. any type of salt along with other herbal ingredients.
Narikel Lavana has been advised under the Rogadhikara of Parinaam Shula. Acharyas have explained two
separate methods of preparation of Narikel Lavana: Sajala (retaining the water inside coconut) and Nirjala
(without coconut water). Nirjala Narikel Lavana has been prepared by using Mahaputa and Sajala Narikel
Lavana in Kukkutaputa. Current study is aimed at preparation, standardization and comparative study of
Narikel Lavana as per two different references with the help of sophisticated analytical technique, XRF.
Other methods of examination of Ayurvedic drug formulations such as organoleptic evaluation, physico-
chemical tests are also employed. The differences between these values and variations in the XRF analysis
have been elaborated here. Organoleptic evaluation of both the samples shows no difference, whereas
minor variations are observed in the physico- chemical parameters. XRF analysis has clearly indicated the
different between the elemental composition of both Sajal and Nirjala Narikel Lavana.
KEYWORDS: Narikel Lavana, Sajala, Nirjala, XRF.
INTRODUCTION
Ayurveda is an extravagant resource where senior Ayurved practitioners in day to day clinical practice.
various newly developed manufacturing methods of herbal The timely evolution in tedious manufacturing processes
and mineral drugs can be explored. In most ancient and of Narikel Lavana is also evident in the classical literature.
available classical texts like Bruhattrayi, a large number of The evolutionary changes can be observed in the
herbo- mineral ingredients have been used to prepare the preparation methods of the same formulation, preceded by
medicinal formulations. The branch of pharmaceuticals i.e. experimentation as time elapsed. Hence, it is the need of
Bhaishajya-kalpana is evident since the time of Charak hour to develop a standard operating process with its
Samahita. Various forms of medicines with their standardization in terms of latest sophisticated analytical
manufacturing processes such as Taila, Ghrit, Avleha, techniques. Along with these methods, the age old and
Ghana, Asava, Arishta etc. are available in the Ayurvedic time tested methods of evaluation of standard product
classics, similarly Lavan Kalpana was also introduced in such as organoleptic characters are also studied. The
the classical text later on. Lavana Kalpas are the current comparative study is aimed to develop the
formulations which contain any of the five types of standard manufacturing process of Narikel Lavana with its
Lavanas, especially Saindhav Lavana along with other standardization, preparation by two methods, namely
herbo-mineral components. Narikel Lavana is one such Sajala (retaining the water inside coconut) and Nirjala
important and commonly used Lavana Kalpa. It consists of (without coconut water). There are two separate methods
Narikel along and Saindhav Lavana. Narikel Lavana is mentioned for preparation of the two types of Narikel
recommended under the Rogadhikara of Parinaam Shula. Lavana.
Narikel Giri (coconut meat) and Narikel Jala are one of the MATERIAL AND METHOD
richest sources of essential electrolytes. It predominantly Material
contains high amount of Sodium and Potassium(1). Which is
Six coconuts, rock salt, fuller’s earth (Multani mitti), cotton
probably why Narikel Lavana is found to be effective
cloth, cow dung cakes, mortar and pestle.
against Parinaam Shula and other acid peptic disorders.
Saindhav Lavana is essentially Pittahara. Saindhav also has Method
Sheeta veerya. With its Shamana property, Saindhav 3 batches of each Sajalaand Nirjala Narikel Lavana
pacifies the vitiated Pitta. It also reduces secretion of acid were prepared as per the classical reference of
in the stomach and prevents acid reflux. Saindhav is again Bhavprakash nighantu(2) and Rastarangini(3) respectively.
reach in electrolytes such as Sodium, Potassium, and a. Sajala Narikel Lavan: It was prepared in the teaching
Magnesium etc. Narikel Lavanais successfully used by pharmacy of department of Rasa Shastra and

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 Int. J. Ayur. Pharma Research, 2016;4(6):54-57
Bhaishajya Kalpana at YMT Ayurvedic medical college,
as per the reference of Bhavprakash nighantu.
Step I: 3 water containing coconuts of weight 664g, 536g,
604g respectively were procured from APMC market of
Navi mumbai and were cleaned by removing husk with the
help of knife.
Step II: The coconut water from each sample was drained
in a clean SS (stainless steel) vessel by opening the
functional pore of each coconut with the help of sharp
knife and was measured batch wise.
Step III: The powdered rock salt (Saindhav) was dissolved
in the coconut water until saturated. The quantity of rock
salt required for complete dissolution in the coconut water
was noted batch wise.
Step IV: the coconut water with dissolved rock salt was
refilled in the respective coconuts with the help of glass
funnel. The opened eyes (pores) of the coconuts were
closed with the help flaps of coconut shell and were sealed
by wet fuller’s earth (Multani mitti).
Step V: 3 coconuts filled with rock salt were coated with
cotton cloth and fuller’s earth (Multani mitti). The
thickness of the coating (Kapadmitti) was kept 1 Angula
(1.5 cm) on each sample. Each sample was dried in shade
(Chhayashushka) after coating with fuller’s earth (Multani
mitti).
Step VI: Each rock salt filled, coated coconut was subjected
to Kukkutputa as per the reference of Bhavprakash
nighantu. For Kukkutputa(4), 1 ft X 1 ft pit was prepared
adjacent to the teaching pharmacy of institute and 42 cow
dung cakes (Upal) of size 8 inches diameter each were
arranged evenly. Each sample was incinerated in
Kukkutputa in open air and temperature of each puta was
noted half hourly using alaser pyrometer. The samples of
Sajal Narikel Lavana were kept for self-cooling up to 12h
(Swangsheeta). The characteristics (Siddhilakshanas) of the
processed samples were observed and noted. After self-
cooling, the coating and shells of the samples were
removed gently and each sample was rubbed in mortar
and pestle to obtain the final product from each sample.
Each final product was weighed and subjected to
Navi mumbai and were cleaned by removing husk with the
help of knife.
Step II: The coconut water was drained from each sample
in a clean SS vessel by opening the functional pore of the
coconut with the help of sharp knife.
Step III: According to the selected reference, 10 Tole
(125mg) rock salt was filled in each coconut, the pores
were sealed and each coconut was coated by cotton cloth
and wet fuller’s earth (Multani mitti).The thickness of Lepa
was kept up to 1 Angul (1.5cm). The samples were dried in
shade (Chhayashushka).
Step IV: Each rock salt filled, coated coconut sample was
subjected to Mahaputa as per the reference of
Rastarngini(5). For Mahaputa, a pit measuring 91cm X
91cm was prepared in open space around the teaching
pharmacy of the institute. The pit was filled with total
1500 cow dung cakes. Out of which 1000 cakes were
arranged evenly at the base of the pit, then the coated
coconuts were placed carefully and remaining 500 cow
dung cakes placed above these coconuts. Finally the cow
dungs cakes were incinerated. Temperature of the
Mahaputa was noted at regular intervals (every 30 mins.)
with the help of Laser pyrometer. The samples of Nirjala
Narikel Lavana were kept for self-cooling for 24h
(Swangasheeta). The characteristics (Siddhilakshanas) of
the processed samples were observed and noted. After
self-cooling, the coating and shells of the coconuts were
removed gently and each sample was rubbed in mortar
and pestle to obtain the final product from each sample.
Each final product was weighed and subjected to
physicochemical analysis.
OBSERVATIONS AND RESULTS
Table 1: Physico- chemical parameters(6) of Sajala
Narikel Lavana
Parameter Value
pH 10.25
Total Ash % 98.33
Acid insoluble ash % 6.13
Table 2: Physico- chemical analysis of Nirjala Narikel
(6)

physicochemical analysis. Lavana

b. Nirjala Narikel Lavan: It was prepared in the teaching Parameter Value
pharmacy of the department of Rasa Shastra and pH 9.21
Bhaishajya kalpanaat YMT ayurvedic medical college as Total Ash % 98.35
per the reference of Rasatarangini.
Acid insoluble ash % 0.1
Step I: 3 water containing coconuts of weight 697g, 626 g,
670g respectively were procured from APMC market of
Table 3: Organoleptic evaluation(7) of Narikel Lavana:
Sajal NarikelLavana Nirjal Narikel Lavana
Color Grayish black Grayish black
Odor Pungent Pungent
Taste Salty (Lavana Rasatmak) Salty (Lavana Rasatmak)
Texture Rough, Fine Rough, Fine
Sound Not specific Not specific
XRF (X- ray fluorescence) analysis was carried out at Varsha bullion and elemental analab, Mumbai.

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 Golecha Paras D et al. Comparative Analytical Study of Sajala and Nirjala Narikel lavana
Table 4: Sajal Narikel Lavan XRF analysis
Element Mass (%) Intensity Formula Mass (%)
Na (Sodium) 8.285 0.022 Na2O 11.167
P (Phosphorus) 1.224 0.165 P2O5 2.804
S (Sulphur) 1.231 0.314 SO3 3.074
Cl (Chlorine) 72.574 9.257 Cl 72.574
K (Potassium) 6.879 0.429 K2O 8.287
Ca (Calcium) 1.410 0.109 CaO 1.972
Fe (Iron) 0.085 0.118 Fe2O3 0.122
O (Oxygen) 8.313
Table no. 5. Nirjala NarikelLavan XRF analysis
Element Mass (%) Intensity Formula Mass (%)
Na (Sodium) 8.481 0.014 Na2O 11.432
Si (Silicon) 0.933 0.043 SiO2 1.995
P (Phosphorus) 1.193 0.102 P2O5 2.733
S (Sulphur) 1.908 0.308 SO3 4.766
Cl (Chlorine) 63.673 5.617 Cl 63.673
K (Potassium) 5.868 0.267 K2O 7.069
Ca (Calcium) 5.117 0.287 CaO 7.159
Fe (Iron) 0.769 0.737 Fe2O3 1.100
Sr (Strontium) 0.062 0.397 SrO 0.073
O (Oxygen) 11.997
DISCUSSION
The current comparative study was undertaken to Nirjala Narikel Lavana. Acid insoluble ash indicates the
develop the standard manufacturing process for Narikel presence inorganic matter such as silica in the tested
Lavan. Due to evolutionary changes occurred in Ayurvedic sample. pH of Sajala Narikel Lavana was slightly higher
pharmaceuticals, 2 methods of preparation of Narikel (10.25) than that of Nirjala Narikel Lavana which was
Lavan were observed in literary review. Bhavprakash 9.21.As per Table no. 3, Both Sajala and Nirjala Narikel
nighantu has for the first time described the method of Lavana were found to have similar organoleptic
preparation of Narikel Lavan in which coconut containing characters, i.e. both were grayish black in color and had a
water (Sajala Narikel) was used. The method of paka characteristic pungent smell. Both were salty when tasted.
(heating) was also specifically mentioned i.e. Kukkutputa The powder was smooth textured and very fine to touch.
has been implemented for Sajala Narikel Lavan But the XRF analysis in table no. 4 and 5 showed
preparation. As per the classical references of Kukkutputa, remarkable difference between the two samples. Mass %
the samples were heated using total 42 cow dung cakes of Elemental calcium was found to be 1.410 in Sajala
(Upala). In the current study, it was observed the optimum Narikel Lavana and the same was found to be 5.117 in
temperature of Kukkutputa reached upto 424 oc. For the Nirjala Narikel Lavana. Elemental oxygen mass % was
preparation of Sajala Narikel Lavan, comparatively low observed to be 8.313 in Sajala Narikel Lavana, whereas it
heat was given i.e. 424ºC than that in case of Nirjala was 11.997 in Nirjala Narikel Lavana sample. Mass % of
Narikel Lavan where Mahaputa has been implemented and elemental iron was 0.085 in the Sajal Narikel Lavana, the
the maximum temperature of Mahaputa was up to same was 0.769 in Nirjala Narikel Lavana. Nirjala Narikel
1050ºC.As the coconuts were full of water in Sajal Narikel Lavana showed presence of Strontium with a mass % of
Lavan, they might burst due to intolerance of high 0.062, which was absent in the Sajal Narikel Lavana.
temperature. Nirjala Narikel Lavana is prepared as per the Nirjala Narikel Lavana contained elemental silicon in the
reference of Rasatarangini. Hence, the coconuts which mass % of 0.933 and was absent in the Sajal Narikel
were of devoid of water, were subjected to Mahaputa. Lavana. Rest all the elements such as sodium, phosphorus,
These coconuts being free of water, could tolerate the high Sulphur, chlorine and potassium were found in
temperature in the Mahaputa. Due to coating of fuller’s approximately similar quantities.
earth (Multani mitti), the temperature rises slowly and CONCLUSION
also cools very slowly which could be helpful for Narikel Lavan has been recommended under the
prolonged and thorough Paka of the ingredients in the Rogadhikara of Parinaama Shula. From the above
drug. As per table no.1 and 2, Physico chemical analysis of mentioned observations, it can be concluded that
both Sajala and Nirjala Narikel Lavana revealed that the implementation of either of the methods for obtaining
total ash values of both the samples showed no significant Narikel Lavan results in least remarkable difference in
difference. Acid insoluble ash % in the Sajala Narikel majority of the physico- chemical properties. Whereas,
Lavana was 6.13 whereas it was much lower i.e. 0.1 in the XRF analysis has shown that Nirjala Narikel Lavan contains
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 Int. J. Ayur. Pharma Research, 2016;4(6):54-57
higher amount of elemental Calcium as compared to Sajala
Narikel Lavana. Electrolytes like Calcium and Potassium
might be responsible for the antacid property of this
formulation. The pH of Sajala Narikel Lavana is higher than
that of Nirjala Narikel Lavana. The higher alkalinity of
Narikel Lavana may also play an important role in the
therapeutic activity of this Kalpa. Final product obtained
after both the procedures had been completely incinerated
and proper Paka was achieved. Preparation of Sajal
Narikel Lavan required comparatively lesser heat, i.e.
lesser amount of fuel is consumed during the entire
procedure as compared to Nirjala Narikel Lavana.
References
1) The Chemical Composition and Biological Properties
of Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) Water. Jean W. H. Yong,
Liya Ge, Yan Fei Ng and Swee Ngin Tan. Molecules
2009, 14, 5144-5164; doi:10.3390/molecules
14125144.
2) Bhavaprakash, Shri Brahmashankar Mishra,
Chaukhambha Sanskrit bhawan, edi. 2012, madhyam
khanda, adhyay 30/71, 72.
3) Rasatarangini, Kashinath shastri, Motilal Banarasidas,
Revised edition 2014, Chaturdash tarang- 123- 130.
4) Rasa ratnasamucchaya, Acharya siddhinandan Mishra,
Choukhambha Orientalia, edition 2011, adhyay 10/
56.
5) Rasa ratnasamucchaya, Acharya siddhinandan Mishra,
Choukhambha Orientalia, edition 2011, adhyay 10/
51.
6) The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, government of
India, ministry of health and family welfare,
department of AYUSH, part- 1, volume- 1, 2.2.3, 2.2.4,
3.1.3.
7) Charak Samhita, Acharya brahmanand tripathi,
Chaukhambha prakashan, vimanasthan, 8-97.

Cite this article as: *Address for correspondence

Golecha Paras D, Kurve Siddhisha, Sathe Ninad, Punde Ashish. Comparative Dr. Golecha Paras
Analytical Study of Sajala and Nirjala Narikel lavana. International Journal of M. D. scholar, Dept. of Rasa Shastra and
Ayurveda and Pharma Research. 2016;4(6):54-57. Bhaishajyakalpana, YMT ayurvedic
Source of support: Nil, Conflict of interest: None Declared medical college and hospital, Navi
Mumbai.
Email: dr.parasd.golecha@gmail.com
Cont.: 09762373730

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